A sharp crash split the quiet of Calista's chamber. Her scream shattered the silence of Emberhold.
A shockwave of heat burst from her body—wild, uncontrolled. The candles guttered violently, the ruby drapes fluttered, and the carved wooden table in front of her toppled under the force of her shove, sending ink pots, scrolls, crystal vials, a silver comb and a jeweled mirror tumbling in a chaotic avalanche.
A glass vial shattered against the wall, dripping its amber contents like bleeding sap. A plume of smoke curled from her fingertips.
Calista stood over the mess, chest rising and falling in uneven bursts. Heat shimmered faintly around her fingertips—wild, unrestrained with fury.
"Damn her!" Calista snarled, chest heaving. "Damn her to the Void!"
"Why… why her?" she hissed under her breath.
The rage was too big for her body. It clawed up her throat until she felt like she would choke on it.
